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The FormulaKite editorial desk covers Formula 1 news, race weekends and technical analysis. Every story is checked against primary sources before publication.
Lewis Hamilton plans to prolong his Formula 1 career into his mid-forties to compete in Rwanda following a new ten-year deal for a Grand Prix. The proposed race at the RISE Motordrome near Kigali faces scrutiny due to regional political tensions involving the DR Congo.
Audi junior driver Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 appearance during practice sessions at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix. The 18-year-old Trident F3 runner-up will fulfill FIA rookie driver requirements for Audi ahead of his 2027 move to Formula 2.
Max Verstappen reports that extreme vertical loads exceeding 9G caused by shifting clay beneath the Circuit of the Americas threaten driver spinal health. Drivers including George Russell and Lando Norris face physical discomfort due to unpredictable bumps and low ride heights.
Carlos Sainz and the GPDA expressed hesitation regarding the 2026 season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to Middle East conflicts. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists the races will proceed as scheduled, though the FIA is prepared to move the finale to Imola if necessary.
General Motors president Mark Reuss announced the December 18 opening of a Cadillac engine factory in Charlotte, North Carolina. The facility will develop power units for the 2029 Formula 1 season following FIA approval for General Motors to act as a supplier.
McLaren introduces new upgrades and floor changes at the United States Grand Prix to address braking reliability and test 2027 development concepts. The team currently holds 339 points in the constructors' standings as they attempt to defend third place against a surging Red Bull.
Jasper van Schaick has joined Scuderia Ferrari as a chassis vehicle system specialist following eight years at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. The appointment reunites the engineer with Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari seeks to close a power deficit ahead of the 2027 season.
Helmut Marko dismissed Christian Horner's memoir Drive as a collection of untruths, addressing accusations regarding driver promotions and internal Red Bull power struggles. The book details Horner's 2025 dismissal and his claims that Marko prematurely promoted drivers like Alex Albon.
Mercedes will deploy updated aerodynamic packages on both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the United States Grand Prix. The team aims to regain competitiveness in Austin following data gathered from recent testing in Singapore to help Antonelli potentially clinch the championship.
Toto Wolff is vetting multiple candidates to manage Mercedes F1 responsibilities as his three-year contract extension expires at the end of 2026. The 28.33 per cent owner aims to build a management structure that ensures the team survives his eventual departure.
Oscar Piastri believes McLaren will not find magic answers for its performance issues before the 2026 season ends. Team principal Andrea Stella suggests underlying problems with the MCL40 may not be resolved until the 2027 car, leaving McLaren with a narrow 7 point lead over Red Bull.
The FIA is intervening in a technical dispute by mandating uniform rim cover shapes to stop teams like Red Bull and Mercedes from manipulating airflow. This standardization aims to reduce tire-induced turbulence and improve racing quality by stabilizing airflow for following cars.